Prologue

Under the dense canopy of the Wolfswood, Ned Stark led his companions—his sons Jon and Robb, his ward Theon Greyjoy, along with Jory Cassel and several Stark household guards—on a hunting expedition. The crisp autumn air was alive with the rustle of leaves and the occasional call of a distant bird.

As they moved through the forest, the light of the late afternoon sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. Suddenly, Ned's keen eyes caught a glimmer in the distance, a blinding light that seemed out of place amidst the natural surroundings.

"Hold," Ned commanded, raising his hand to signal his companions to stop. His gaze fixed on the distant glow, he turned to Jon and Robb. "Do you see that?"

Jon squinted, following his father's gaze. "Aye, I see it," he replied, his brow furrowing in curiosity.

Robb nodded in agreement, his hand drifting towards the hilt of his sword. "Should we investigate, Father?"

Ned considered for a moment before nodding decisively. "Aye. But be cautious. The Wolfswood holds many secrets."

Theon, eager for adventure, chimed in. "I'm game. Let's see what's causing that light."

Jory Cassel, ever loyal, nodded in agreement. "We'll follow your lead, my lord."

With silent determination, they set off towards the source of the light, the rustling of leaves beneath their feet the only sound breaking the silence of the forest.

As they drew closer, the intensity of the light grew, illuminating the underbrush with an otherworldly brilliance. Ned's grip tightened on his sword hilt, a sense of anticipation building within him.

Finally, they reached the clearing where the light originated. As Ned Stark and his companions approached the source of the light, they were taken aback by the sight of a boy emerging from a crater. Clad in red and gold armor and carrying a sword sheathed to his waist, the boy appeared to be no older than Jon and Robb.

Ned initially thought him to be a soldier of House Lannister, but his Armor had a bird motif instead of a lion.

His hand instinctively went to the hilt of his sword as he studied the stranger with a mixture of caution and curiosity. "Who goes there?" he called out, his voice echoing through the clearing.

The boy raised an eyebrow, his expression calm and composed despite the unusual circumstances. "I mean you no harm," he replied, his voice steady.

Robb exchanged a glance with Jon, both of them intrigued by the newcomer's appearance and his formidable array of weapons. "What brings you to the Wolfswood?" Robb asked, stepping forward cautiously.

The boy raised an eyebrow, his expression filled with confusion and concern. "I... I'm not sure," he admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "The last thing I remember, I was in a fight for my life."

Robb and Jon exchanged a glance, a sense of empathy washing over them as they realized the gravity of the situation. "What happened?" Robb asked, stepping forward to offer support.

The boy shook his head, his brow furrowed in frustration. "I don't know. It's all a blur," he confessed. "But somehow, I ended up here."

Ned's expression softened slightly, his suspicion giving way to sympathy. "Well, you're safe now," he assured the boy. "But who were you fighting?"

"I was fighting someone who has been the cause of all the problems in my life." he replied, his voice steady despite the weight of his words.

Robb and Jon exchanged a glance, a sense of empathy washing over them as they realized the gravity of the situation. "And who is that?" Jon asked, stepping forward to offer support.

The boy hesitated for a moment before answering, his voice tinged with bitterness. "His name was Tom," he admitted, his gaze darkening with memories of past struggles. "I managed to finally kill him. But not before he... he took everything from me."

Ned's expression softened slightly, his heart going out to the boy who stood before him. "I'm sorry for your losses, son," he said, his voice filled with genuine sympathy. "But you're safe now."

Theon Greyjoy couldn't resist the opportunity to interject with a sly comment. "Well, well, well," he sneered, eyeing Harry up and down. "Looks like we've got ourselves a real hero here. Saving the day, are we?"

Jon shot Theon a disapproving glare, but the boy remained surprisingly composed, his expression unchanged. "I don't claim to be a hero," he replied evenly. "I just did what needed to be done."

Ned frowned at Theon's comment, his disapproval evident. "Enough, Theon," he admonished, his voice firm. "Every person's journey is their own, and it's not for us to judge."

Theon shrugged, his smirk fading slightly. "Fine, fine," he muttered, though the hint of sarcasm in his voice was unmistakable. "Just don't expect me to start singing any praises."

The boy simply nodded in response, choosing to ignore Theon's barb. It was clear that Theon's words had little effect on him.

Ned regarded the boy with a steady gaze, his voice calm yet authoritative. "What is your name, boy?"

The boy squared his shoulders, meeting Ned's gaze with determination. "My name is Hadrian," he replied, his tone steady despite the weight of the situation. "Hadrian Potter. But my friends call me Harry"

Ned's gaze softened as he took in the boy's response. "Hadrian Potter," he repeated, nodding in acknowledgment. "A fine name, indeed."

"Hadrian, you are welcome to stay at Winterfell," he said warmly, extending his hand in friendship. "We have plenty of room, and I'm sure my family would be glad to have you as our guest."

Ned's offer came from a place of genuine concern and hospitality.

Hadrian's eyes widened in gratitude, touched by Ned's kindness. "Thank you, Lord Stark," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity. "I would be honored to accept your offer. However, I have a friend who accompanied me here. May I call for him?"

Ned considered Harry's request, his expression thoughtful. "Of course, Hadrian," he replied, nodding in agreement. "But please proceed with caution. We want to ensure the safety of everyone present."

Harry nodded in understanding, gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Lord Stark," he said sincerely.

With Ned's permission, Harry closed his eyes briefly, focusing on calling his loyal companion. "Fawkes," he called out softly, his voice carrying a hint of magic.

A moment later, a burst of flames erupted nearby, followed by the majestic appearance of a phoenix with vibrant plumage and piercing eyes. It was Fawkes, Harry's faithful and magical companion.

As Fawkes appeared in a burst of flames, the Stark companions couldn't help but react with shock and awe. Some stumbled backward, while others instinctively reached for their weapons, uncertainty and fear written on their faces.

Ned's hand went to the hilt of his sword, his eyes narrowed in caution. "What manner of creature is this?" he demanded, his voice firm yet tinged with apprehension.

Harry stepped forward, his expression calm yet determined. "Everyone, please," he urged, raising his hands in a gesture of peace. "This is Fawkes, a phoenix and my loyal companion. He means no harm."

Robb and Jon exchanged a glance, their initial fear giving way to curiosity and wonder. "A phoenix?" Robb echoed, his voice filled with awe.

Jon nodded in agreement, his eyes fixed on the majestic bird before them. "I've heard tales of such creatures in Old Nan's stories," he admitted, his tone respectful. "But I never thought I'd see one in person."

As the tension eased and the Stark companions began to relax in the presence of Fawkes, Theon Greyjoy couldn't resist the urge to speak up, though his timing couldn't have been worse.

"Ha! A bird on fire!" Theon exclaimed, a smirk playing on his lips. "I've seen more impressive sights in the Iron Islands."

Ned shot Theon a stern look, his disapproval evident. "Enough, Theon," he admonished, his voice tinged with irritation. "Show some respect."

Theon's smirk faltered as he realized his mistake, but he couldn't resist trying to save face. "I-I mean no disrespect, my lord," he stammered, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I just... well, you have to admit, it's not every day you see a flaming bird."

Harry stepped forward, his expression patient but firm. "Fawkes is more than just a bird, Theon," he explained calmly. "He's a creature of great wisdom and power. You would do well to remember that."

Theon nodded sheepishly, his earlier bravado replaced by a sense of humility. "Of course, Hadrian," he muttered, his gaze fixed on the ground. "I apologize for my... insensitivity."

With Fawkes soaring overhead and the Stark companions at their side, Harry led the way as they set off towards Winterfell. The path through the Wolfswood was winding and dense, but the group pressed on, guided by the ancient trees and the ever-present sense of adventure that filled the air.

---

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